The rumours about Simon Cowell wanting Rihanna to become a judge on the X Factor, may have been dismissed but L.A. Reid has claimed that he would like the 'Diamonds' hitmaker to replace him now that he has left.

With a space on the panel now empty, L.A., who announced his departure from the show a week before the grand finale, told HollywoodLife:

"I think Rihanna should fill my spot, so that I have a reason to watch."

Rihanna performs on the X Factor UK (WENN)

However, it appears that we might be waiting while to find out who will be sitting on the panel next year after Simon admitted to E! Online ahead of the grand finale last week:

"It'd be crazy to think about it while the show's [still] on. I'll take a couple weeks off [after Thursday's finale], regroup, and wait for the calls to come in. I prefer that."

Sad to say goodbye to L.A., Demi Lovato tweeted after the show ended:

"I'm really really really gonna miss working with @la_reid. So many laughs and inside jokes.. Truly blessed to know you LA. Love you so much."

What do you think? Would you like to see Rihanna on the X Factor USA panel?